Comments by state officials

Official statements yesterday on the resignation of June Jones as the University of Hawaii football coach:

David McClainPresident of the University of Hawaii
"Like all of Hawaii, I'm greatly disappointed that Coach Jones has decided to take this new opportunity at SMU. June has done so much for our university and our community, and we wish him every success.

"We gave it our best shot, and it has been very much a team effort. I want to thank, in particular, the fans for their outpouring of love and affection for the coach. I can tell you, he was greatly moved.

"I'm most grateful to Gov. Lingle for her involvement at a critical point, and to Chancellor Hinshaw for her leadership in these negotiations. I'm grateful to those football supporters and those legislators, particularly Rep. Takai, who declared their support for a major initiative to upgrade UH-Manoa's athletic facilities. We'll need that support as we recruit a new coach. I'm pleased to announce that some donors have already been contacting me to see how they can help.

"My thanks also, of course, to the players who produced such a remarkable season, a wonderful exclamation point to our centennial year. We look forward to supporting them during this time of transition, and to building on their success.

"Finally, I also want to apologize to our fans and all of Hawaii for matters getting to this stage in the first place. Exceptional performance deserves exceptional recognition, and your university was slow to step up.

"That won't happen again. My focus as your president is

to keep the drama on the athletic field and in the stadium, where it belongs, and not at the ticket window or in contract negotiations."

Linda LingleGovernor
"I wish June Jones and his family well as Coach takes on a new opportunity in his career. I want to thank him for everything he has done for the University of Hawaii Warriors football program, and for the pride and national recognition he has brought to the university and our entire state.

"In his nine years as head coach, June Jones did more than turn the UH Warriors football program around. He instilled a strong work ethic among his student athletes that emphasized teamwork, perseverance and always believing in oneself. In the process he captured the hearts of the people of our state and reminded everyone that with focused, dedicated pursuit of a dream, goals can be realized.

"I am confident that the spirit and unity the Warriors and all the people of Hawaii gained as a result of Coach Jones' accomplishments will continue as the University of Hawaii moves into a new chapter in its athletic history."

Virginia S. HinshawChancellor, University of Hawaii-Manoa
"All of us definitely wanted coach June Jones to continue at UH-Manoa. He has accomplished so very much here in Hawaii, and his nine-year UH coaching record shows that he is truly a transformational leader.

"During negotiations with Coach Jones and his agent, the university was able to offer a financially competitive package. In addition, UH gave assurances that nonfinancial matters of concern would be promptly addressed. In the end, however, Coach Jones informed us that his decision to accept the SMU position was based on his desire to undertake a new challenge and a new beginning at this point in his life.

"So, even though this was not the outcome any of us wanted, we do wish him well in gratitude for all he has contributed to our lives here in Hawaii and beyond - mahalo nui loa to Coach Jones for nine years of dedication as a coach and as a former UH player and student. It is now our responsibility to build on Coach Jones' success that we all have enjoyed on this great ride, particularly this year.